Living Waters

The following poem was written by Sister Chipman, who is serving with her husband President Chipman, over the Peru Piura Mission. I have posted it here, along with one of my FAVORITE pictures.

Living Waters

Little ones with smiles bright
From homes of mud and straw
How many of you will search for truth
Living waters from which to draw?

Look to your future with hope and faith
The Lord holds you in his hands.
He promised to send the gospel again
To Lehi’s little band.

His missionaries here are valiant and true
Their testimonies burn bright
The fire of truth illuminates their eyes
As they desire to share His light.

Once you hear it you will know
..An echo from the past
It will beckon to your heart and soul
Living waters here at last.

Brrrrr...........

Here in Lima and it's about 65 to 68 degrees, not that cold, but when you come from the jungle where its 95 to 100 everyday with humidity, it is a killer. The cold goes straight to your bones.

Back in Lima

Hey how is everything going?? Well I’m here in Lima and in the offices once again. The farewell in Pucallpa was good. I arrived here in Lima on Thursday at 3pm in the afternoon and we went right to work in our area. Our area is called Los Angeles, in the Stake of Palmeras. I’m really excited. We’re teaching really good families and one in particular, the dad reminds me a lot of Uncle Mark. His structure, his way of doing things, and wow, he is great and his family is really good. I’m really excited to be able to work with Elder Nemelka for these few days before he goes home, and with Elder Santiago, my new companion.

Friday was the Multi-zone farewell of the old missionaries that are going home (on July 29th), and I was presented as the new Assistant, it was a good experience. I don’t feel like an Assistant yet, but I guess it will hit me this Wednesday when I get to go to the CCM and pick up the new missionaries, and on Thursday, when we give training to the Zone Leaders. It will hit me then. I remember perfectly, the day I was picked up at the CCM by Elder Toolson and Elder Brandenburg. “My” Assistants. How great the experiences will be. I’m very excited.

My favorite part of being Assistant is receiving revelation for the missionaries, and receiving it to be able to prepare trainings. The Spirit works so close to you and you have to be paying attention. I love it. It’s just what I need right now in my mission. Today I get to go to the Lima temple for the first time in 6 months, and I’m very excited because it will help me out so much with the training that I’m preparing for.

There isn’t much news more that that, just that I’m happy. I still don’t know why it’s me, but all I know is the Lord has put me here. Well, I love you all and I wish you all the best. Pray for me.

New Pics !!

Brother Quispe is a member of the Stake Presidency in Pucallpa.
This sweet family would feed the missionaries often.

Elder Rich, Elder Foutz, Elder Quinn
Grandfather, Father, Son
(Elder Rich served as secretary to Presidente Perez from August 2008 to February 2009. He trained Elder Foutz, who has served in this position until now. Elder Foutz has trained Elder Quinn who will be the new secretary)

Elder Santiago, Elder Nemelka, Elder Rich

Elder Quinn is taking the place of Elder Foutz
Elder Rich is taking the place of Elder Nemelka
Elder Steed is taking the place of Elder Bagley (who was Herdt's replacement)
Elder Sandy (in front) was Landon's companion during January 2009
Carolina is Presidente and Sister Perez' daughter

Unexpected Change.........a little early

Changes are scheduled for next Wednesday (July 29th), however we received this unexpected news from Elder Rich last week. We waited to post it until today, at his request. He returned to Lima Thursday evening.

"I have some news to tell you. I know where I will go to finish my mission! I know the area, I know the zone and I know where I will be sleeping. My time here in Pucallpa is not going to last long…… Here in about a week or so, I will be moved from Pucallpa and be put in as the new Assistant in the Mission Peru Lima North. My companion will be Elder Santiago. More than a year ago we were in the same zone (in Tarapoto) and we told each other that we were going to be companions one day, and look how it turned out!?"
"I'm very grateful for this call and position. It will come with more challenges and new experiences. What a great blessing."

More info received in Monday's email:

"Well, on Thursday night, (July 23rd), I will be going in (to Lima) to be trained by Elder Nemelka (one of the current AP's, who will be going home on July 29th). I will be present for the good bye meeting for all those who are going home on Friday. I will get to see Elder Vasquez before he goes home. (Landon served with E. Vasquez in Pucallpa during February and March)."



Of course we had many questions, which he tried to answer:

"During every change (every 6 weeks), an Assistant travels to all of the zones in the mission with Presidente Perez, and gives trainings. Also, receives all the (baptism, contacts, etc) numbers of the mission every week and sends them to Salt Lake to Church headquarters. It's alot of work, but we have our own area to work in, and I'm very happy for that. Elder Santiago and I will be able to help alot of people and be Assistants at the same time. It's truly a great opportunity and I'm very grateful."

"I will get to know Iquitos (a part of the Jungle only reached by plane and boat - Landon has not served in this area previously) and also Moyobamba (jungle near Tarapoto) and all of the mission - every zone !!!! I will go back to TARAPOTO!!!!!!!!!!! (Landon previously served here March-August 2008) We travel to Barranca (about a 5-6 hour trip up the coast from Lima), in a car with Presidente - he drives :)"

Happy Pioneer Day

And for our friends in Peru !!



Also, see how a couple missionary in the Peru Lima East Mission helped members in their area to celebrate this special day here.

Peru in Utah - Are you busy this Saturday?

Thanks to Elder Newbold's mom, we have learned about the Peruvian Festival to be held this Saturday, July 25th, in Centerville, Utah.

Place - Founder's Park off of Parrish Lane (300 N. 100 E.)

Time - 10 am to 9:30 pm

Free Admission

Experience the rhythms, colors, and flavors of Peru.

Enjoy live Peruvian music from the best in the area bands, more of 70 performers sharing the best of Peruvian Dance, Folklore, Live Rock Music, Salsa and Songs; Fun Contests, Free Climbing Wall, Fun for Kids and much more…!

Special this year:

The Peruvian International Food Fair - Come with your family and friends to enjoy delicious Peruvian Food such as: tamales, anticuchos, grilled steak, ceviche, lomo saltado, picarones, chicken BBQ, and rice pudding. One noted American travel guide said Peru has the best food of all of South America.

Peruvians are the second largest in the Hispanic community in Utah.

There will also be exhibition and sale of Peruvian art, painting, crafts, jewelry, and textiles.

For more info click - here.

A Great Visit

Sunday night (July 19th) we had a great lesson with a less active family. The Stake Patriarch, a member of the bishopric, and 8 others went with us to visit this family and it was great. The spirit was really strong and it helped out alot.

I'm very grateful for this ward I have been in. I can't believe I only have 3 months left on my mission, only 2 more changes, only 2 more of everything!!! I can't believe it. I still have no idea of what I'm going to do when I get home. I have no idea what I want to do or what there is TO do, but I know that there will be something because I am working hard here and I'm not worried!!!!

TO WORRY = TO NOT HAVE FAITH

Planting Seeds

Last Saturday (July 18th) we had 4 baptisms. Margarita Marilu Amèsquita Morales, Julio Duràn Rengifo (he is the dad of Rosa Duran from Campo Verde), Wilson Isuiza, and Jorge Luis Panaifo Ortiz. I'm very grateful to be able to have baptized 29 people in my time here in Pucallpa. I'm very grateful also because we have planted alot of seeds to be able to grow in the people for the future.

Winding down......

Well my time is winding down. It's incredible how fast the time goes by, it was just yesterday when I was participating in the MTM (Mountain Top Mission - Morgan Utah Stake) and getting ready to serve a mission, and look where I'm at with almost 3 months left to go - nada mas…..

Peru is amazing, I love the people and the Jungle is great. It's hot hot hot and also it rains at times. We're in summer here, so it doesn't rain that much. People we don’t even know invite us in their house and give us their food, and it's all out of generosity and kindness. I love the people and will be sad to leave them, but I know I have to get on with my life and start my own. I love you, take care, be strong, and always be happy. We are part of the only true organization where we can be saved and be with our families forever…..

This past week.........

The mission is great as usual. The Family Upiachiua Mozombite, Victor and Sofia, were baptized on Saturday and confirmed. They are a great family who will be great converts in the church. Victor was a Pastor in another church and was converted. I remember a month ago he didn’t want anything to do with us, let alone read the Book of Mormon, but he read it and the power of it has changed his life and will bless his life forever. I'm very grateful for the time I have to teach them.

It was our Ward Conference in Ucayali this past week, and we got 2 new counselors in the bishopric. A new returned missionary is the new Elder's Quorum President. It will be great, I love the work I am doing and I know we're all being blessed by it.

Finally !!

When we left the MTC on October 17, 2007, Roger turned to me and said, "Well, only 712 days left". Not something a mom wants to hear at that point (sigh). I've seen all of the countdown calendars you can buy, and I've even put a countdown "widget" or two on Landon's blog, but I just couldn't bring myself to countdown from start to end.

On January 17th, 2008 - I posted that he was 1/8 of the way complete. On April 17th, 2008 - one quarter.......... Didn't mark time again, until October 17th, 2008 - Hurrah !!! Hump Day !!

Now we are speaking differently when asked........ It's not "How long he's been out", but "How long he has left". It's funny how things change.

612 days ago I promised myself that I would start marking the time - TODAY. We are now at 100 days and counting ! October 21st, here we come :)

Zone Pictures

The pictures that Elder Rich emailed home this past week were a big hit with the missionary parents. I'm so glad we could share.

Upon closer examination of some of the pictures, great truths were found.

Zona 9 de Octubre

2 Ne 7:7-8

For the Lord God will help me, therefore shall I not be confounded. Therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

And the Lord is near, and he justifieth me. Who will contend with me? Let us stand together. Who is mine adversary? Let him come near me, and I will smite him with the strength of my mouth.

Zona Barranca

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Zona Iquitos

Somo de la Selva (We are of the Forest)

Sedundo y si no sois uno no sois mios (If you are not one you are not mine)

Zona Independencia

From Elder Layton's blog we read: "Last week we made a title of liberty as a zone and the sisters in our zone took it home. Of course when it came back it was completely changed and pretty looking, but that`s what you'd expect from sisters. Today for pday we're going to climb the highest mountain/hill nearby (which is really high) and take a picture with it. All the Zones are doing it for a surprise for President Perez."


Zona Moyobamba & Zona T-Suyo

3 Ne 5:13

Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.

Zona Pro

Alma 48:17

Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.

Zona Pucallpa

Alma 26:12

Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.


Zona Puente Pidera

Puente Pidera means Stone Bridge, and you will notice in the picture that one of the missionaries must be quite the artist, because there is a drawing of a beautiful stone bridge on the flag, and also the words.... "The restoration of the Book of Mormon, will be a salvation to this generation"


Zona Tarapoto

Read all about the great day this zone had raising their flag on Elder Landon Schofield's blog. Notice all of their t-shirts have a picture of a man hammering a stake with a big sledge hammer (mallet). The motto reads "a dios rogando y con el mazo dando" - "To God requesting and with the mallet giving"


Zona Ventanilla

"Cultiva la semilla para levantar" - "With work, the seed will rise"

Last week and This week

Hey mom and dad, well I sure did need the Spirit this week. We had to deal with a situation and it was hard to know what to say, but it all worked out.

We're working hard, and it's showing. Pascual Pereira was baptized, it was neat to see it. 98 and a half years old… only speaks Quechua… it's awesome.

We have a family to baptize next week. I am very excited to finish working here in Pucallpa. This week will tell it all!!!

I love you and thank you for everything you do for me. I appreciate it. I'm doing great. Interviews are Wednesday with Presidente. It will be good!!!!! Thanks for everything!!!!!! LOVE YOU

FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS President Perez !!

"Presidente Perez' birthday was July 1st. This was an activity we did to help everyone get excited about the work. We all made a flag of our zone and did a march dressed up with the colors of the zone and a scripture of the zone. We walked and had a great time and had a prayer at the end. Every zone did it, and it was great. We gave all of the pictures to Presdiente for a present. It was great!"

182 missionaries / 16 zones - listed alphabetically.
Can you spot your missionary?
(Click on pictures to enlarge)

Feliz Cumpleaños Elder Rich :)

"I love you all and I thank you for the Happy Birthday present. Thank you so much. The work is going so well for Elder Figueroa and I. We have 10 people progressing towards baptism and we have 3 baptismal dates set for July so far. We have a 98 year old man who only speaks Quechua, and who will be getting baptized. His son is a member and translates for us. I love and thank you for everything. It's my birthday and I will be 21!!!!!!! But ya know what? It will just be another day in the mission, haha.... Happy Father's Day (a little late) to those who are fathers. DAD I love you. Grandpas - I love you also."

**This is a picture of the great cake that Gabo made for him last year.

In Preach My Gospel, President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) is quoted as saying:

“I have often said one of the greatest secrets of missionary work is work! If a missionary works, he will get the Spirit; if he gets the Spirit, he will teach by the Spirit; and if he teaches by the Spirit, he will touch the hearts of the people and he will be happy. There will be no homesickness, no worrying about families, for all time and talents and interests are centered on the work of the ministry. Work, work, work—there is no satisfactory substitute, especially in missionary work.”

Just a hard 10 minutes........

The other night I was thinking a little bit about home, and looking at some pictures of the green mountains in Morgan and my family and well..... I miss you guys...... I want you to know that I love you and I'm working hard. You don't have to worry about me down here, I have grown up and can take care of myself, but most of all the Lord is walking with me wherever I go. It wasn't a hard night of homesickness - it was just a hard 10 minutes of remembering and hoping. One can't see the future, only the past, and can only prepare for the future and hope for the best, this is where faith comes in.

** The picture above, is the view of "the green mountains in Morgan" from our back window